Jeremy Corbyn? I wouldn't wave at him across the street

With every poll, Sir Keir Starmer looks a step closer to No 10. In an exclusive interview with Standard editor-in-chief

SIR KEIR STARMER today vowed if Labour wins power it will “take London forward” so the capital thrives as an economic hub, promising not to clobber people with higher taxes and to tackle the causes of knife crime blighting the city.

In an exclusive, in-depth interview to ES Magazine, the Labour leader laid out his vision for levelling-up Britain, but not “at the expense” of the capital. He was brutal in his dismissal of his predecessor, Left-winger Jeremy Corbyn, and pledged “ruthless” leadership if after reforming his party, as Sir Tony Blair did, he is entrusted with the keys to No10.

But he brushed aside comparisons with Sir Tony’s rise to power, saying: “The mood in ’97 was one where the song Things Can Only Get Better really chimed and for a good reason. The economy was growing, public services weren’t completely on their knees, we were turning into a new century and we felt we were on the back of an upward wave, which we were surfing as the Labour Party.

“That is not the mood of the country now. The mood is flat, insecure and people are concerned about the future.”

The nation is desperate for change, according to polls, from the cost-of-living crisis, NHS waiting lists near eight million, health and transport strikes, and schools under pressure — including from the pandemic’s mental health impact on pupils. The party conferences appear to have done little, if anything, to dent Labour’s lead in Westminster voting intentions of around 15 to 20 points.